Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
At Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA), our mission is to engage, assist, and empower Sheep Dogs - military personnel, veterans, and first responders and their families, through transformative "Get Off The Couch" programming. By connecting individuals who share similar traumas and experiences, we foster camaraderie and provide opportunities to continue serving. This approach not only improves physical and mental well-being but also plays a critical role in suicide prevention across these communities.
- Income
- $3.4 million
- Spending
- $2.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- -4.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 84%
- Employees
- 22
- Volunteers
- 5,036
- Highest pay
- $110,000, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 33% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 26% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 11% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $893,654 spent. Outdoor Adventures - Disasters can't be predicted, so we've created opportunities to keep Sheep Dogs engaged year-round, offering challenges that foster camaraderie and growth. The Outdoor Adventures program provides transformative experiences through activities like hunting, fishing, obstacle course races, skydiving, scuba diving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, zip lining, hiking, mountain biking, and razor riding. For our sponsored Sheep Dogs - those injured in combat or the line of duty - these adventures push their rehabilitation progress, restore independence, and build self-confidence, all while promoting a life fully lived.As the cornerstone of our "Get Off The Couch" initiative, Outdoor Adventures is a powerful vehicle for post-traumatic growth (PTG). It gives Sheep Dogs the opportunity to face challenges, discover new strengths, and experience positive personal transformations. Beyond physical healing, these activities cultivate camaraderie, boost mental resilience, and shift perspectives toward optimism.In 2023, 387 Sheep Dogs participated in Outdoor Adventures, with 97% reporting a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie. In 2024, 322 Sheep Dogs were sponsored on 15 Outdoor Adventures and Get Off the Couch events. Since 2010, we've hosted 253 Outdoor Adventures, sponsoring 3,616 Sheep Dogs76% male, 24% femaleon 16 major trips to destinations like Yosemite, Washington D.C., Yellowstone, the Nantahala River, the Buffalo River, New York City, and Mt. Rushmore.Moving forward, SDIA is working to expand partnerships with VA Vet Centers to increase access to adventure therapy and PTG opportunities for transitioning military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
- $756,716 spent. Warrior PATHH is the first training program to teach our nation's military and first responders to experience lifelong Post-traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is a positive psychological transformation that can happen after trauma. The science of PTG demonstrates that when we're forced to reflect on our lives and make sense of the destruction caused by trauma, our struggles can become a catalyst for change.As the highest performing Warrior PATHH partner with Boulder Crest, SDIA continues to exceed expectations, securing increased course capacity and funding for additional Warrior PATHH sessions annually. In 2023, SDIA served 204 Sheep Dogs in Warrior PATHH, with post-participation surveys indicating a 65% increase in post-traumatic growth indicators. SDIA successfully piloted larger course sizes in June 2024, meeting Boulder Crest's requirements without issues.Warrior PATHH is the nation's first training program to teach military and first responders to experience lifelong Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). The program begins with a 7-day immersive initiation, followed by 90 days of peer-delivered training, support, and accountability. The Outdoor Adventures program connects Sheep Dogs to PTG principles, while the Continued Service & Disaster Response Missions provide ongoing opportunities for Sheep Dogs to engage their serving hearts and build camaraderie.
- $327,765 spent. Disaster Response Missions (DRM) - Continued Service is a core component of SDIA's mission, extending beyond disaster response to address daily community needs such as supporting elderly veterans, coaching youth sports, assisting transitioning service members, and combating homelessness. These deployments empower Sheep Dogs to keep serving and giving back through both disaster response and community projects. Since 2010, 7,022 Sheep Dog members and volunteers have deployed on 367 Continued Service Missions, assisting 327,747 individuals nationwide. SDIA's Ambassador Program and Sheep Dog University (SDU) are vital to these efforts, equipping Sheep Dogs with leadership training, PTG practices, and community engagement strategies to maximize their impact.
- $313,453 spent. Heroes Ranch (HRTF): Located in Pineville, Missouri on the Arkansas/Missouri border, Heroes Ranch and the Heroes Ranch Training Facility serve as the primary hub for SDIA's Get Off The Couch programming. Since its grand opening on July 13, 2023 SDIA's 13th Anniversary the Heroes Ranch Training Facility has expanded to include two dormitories and a main building with a state-of-the-art classroom, library, kitchen, and dining area. Additionally, the 60+ acres of stunning landscape now include five additional facilities, including the under-construction covered equine arena and enhanced outdoor adventure areas. These expanded amenities have allowed participants to Get Off The Couch, discover hope, and begin healing. The land it sits on is an embodiment of the community we serve, with a history and story all its own. Despite any trauma, it continues to be a space for peace and healing.Since 2010, SDIA has helped over 24,000 Sheep Dogs through Outdoor Adventures, Warrior PATHH, and continued service missions. Heroes Ranch has become a central gathering place for these life-changing experiences. The equine therapy program launching in late 2025 will further expand the range of healing opportunities, particularly for families and spouses/partners of Sheep Dogs.The vision for Heroes Ranch is to become a thriving community center where Sheep Dogs can bring their families to reconnect, relax, and rediscover purpose together. SDIA plans to incorporate family-focused events, workshops, and activities, fostering camaraderie and post-traumatic growth for both Sheep Dogs and their loved ones.Sheep Dogs in Need (SDIN): The shared training, hardships, missions, and lifestyle of military and first responder service bring men and women close together as a family-type unit. Few civilian organizations or family members can replicate the level of camaraderie and belonging that one feels in the industry of serving and protecting others, especially in combat/front-line units. SDIN Assistance provides a peer group of veteran military and first responders in the civilian community that becomes the "Service family" for the separated Sheep Dog. We help bridge the gap from active-duty military to civilian community that can seem foreign when the tour of duty ends.Through the Christmas Outreach, the children of struggling Sheep Dog families are adopted, and each are given gifts of toys, clothing, and other necessities. SDIA members give back by volunteering their time to pack and deliver items to these families, so assisted Sheep Dogs can better enjoy the holidays.Holiday Assistance: The holidays are a wonderful, happy time for most, but for those dealing with financial hardships, medical issues, loss, or other troubles, the holidays can be especially difficult. Through SDIA's Holiday Assistance programs, we can assist these struggling Sheep Dog families in two ways: by showing appreciation, support, and morale boosting for law enforcement and fire & rescue, while also providing for other Sheep Dogs in Need. Focus is primarily on the Thanksgiving Outreach program, while the Christmas Outreach program is operated under the Sheep Dogs in Need (SDIN) programming. SDIA members give back by volunteering their time to pack and deliver items to these families, so assisted Sheep Dogs can better enjoy the holidays.Sheep Dog University (SDU): Sheep Dog University aims to equip potential ambassadors with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to embody the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance mission, identity, and values with professionalism within their communities. Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is excited to announce the launch of our Ambassador program and Sheep Dog University. The CEO has established and implemented a nationwide Ambassador Program using leaders and trusted members to represent SDIA in their communities, and Sheep Dog University has been developed in order to train these remarkable individuals.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2012 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on June 15, 2013.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2013.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.